Naturopathic Safe Treatments Available for ADD and ADHD

What Exactly Is ADD and ADHD?

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD) is a behavioural disorder that is characterized by impulsivity, distractibility and have course, and hyperactivity.

When the symptom of hyperactivity is the most prominent symptom it is known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. When the symptoms of distractibility or impulsivity or more prominent it is simply known as Attention Deficit Disorder. 

Although it is a disorder commonly discussed with regards to children, because children who do have it are very disruptive in school or have trouble learning, however, many adults also suffer from it.  They can’t focus or get things done. They are unable to organize themselves or their lives and the corresponding life problems that are a consequence of this often also cause depression.

Symptoms of ADD and ADHD

The three main symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are --

• Impulsivity
• Distractibility
• Hyperactivity

It is possible to have all three symptoms or only one of the symptoms and still be diagnosed with this disorder. There is some grey area when it comes to diagnosing this and often diagnosis involves extensive questioning so the naturopathic doctor can get to the cause of the problem.

ADHD IS A COMPLEX DIAGNOSIS

Other symptoms may include any or all of the following --

• Mental problems such as an inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, absent mindedness, difficulty soloing problems or managing time
• Physical symptoms such as knocking, tapping, clumsiness and rocking
• Moody behaviour such as emotional instability, impatience temper tantrums and mood swings
• Disorders of speech or hearing and
• Sleep disorders

 The disorder is very complex and can also be symptomatic or related to other disorders as well.

The Causes of ADD and ADHD

ADD or ADHD might start in the womb. You have more of a chance of having a child with this disorder if you are smoking during pregnancy, drinking recreationally while drinking or taking prescription.

It has also been suggested food is the culprit including allergies to food additives, intolerance to glucose, insulin resistance and not eating enough protein in the diet. These issues are easily addressed by one of our Pinewood Natural Health Clinic’s naturopaths or dietician.

Blunt brain damage and heavy metal poisoning may also be responsible. The latter might be able to be fixed with IV chelation therapy.

In many cases of ADD there seems to be no apparent cause for the disorder.

Care and Treatment 

There are several allopathic treatments for ADD and ADHD and almost all of them are controversial.  Children and adults who have this disorder are most likely to be prescribed mood elevators, stimulants, antidepressants and anti-psychotic medication in order to try and control the symptoms. Often this is a “hit and miss” endeavour as not everyone has every symptom or the same type of permutation of the disorder.  Many people are prescribed several drugs at once.

The main lifestyle change recommendation for ADD and ADHD is to remove all sugar from the diet as studies have shown that over 70% of children that suffer from ADD cannot tolerate glucose. This means staying away all refined sugar

and any products that contain it. 

Foods that contain artificial colours, flavourings, preservatives, processed and manufactured foods should also be avoided. This includes products such as apple cider vinegar, ham, butter, candy, catsup, chocolate, coloured cheeses, corn, ham h to dogs, luncheon meat, margarine, milk, mustard, salami, salt soft drinks, soy sauce, sausage, and wheat.

Salicylate, a naturally occurring compound found in fruits in vegetables such as apricots, cherries, peaches, plums, prunes, tomatoes cucumbers and oranges should also be avoided.

Many sufferers of ADD and ADHD are also sensitive to perfumes, cough drops, commercial toothpaste and antacid tablets.

Adults with the syndrome should avoid marijuana, cocaine, cigarette smoking and alcohol.

This is not a fatal disorder but unfortunately the much behaviour associated with it make it difficult for sufferers to get ahead in life as they often appear obstinate, intolerant or have genuine learning disabilities.

For more information or to book a consultation about safe, natural holistic treatments and diets for sufferers of ADD or ADHD  = or any health issue you may be experiencing, visit the Pinewood Natural Health Centre website that has a list of full services and products at www.pinewood.ca or call our Toronto Office at  (416)-656- 8100.  We also have an office in Pickering, Ontario at (905)-427-0057. You can also email us at info@pinewoodhealth.ca and we would be happy to answer any question that you have about our holistic health services.